Veteran showrunner Paul Rauch has opted to leave 'The Young and the Restless' effective April 1, 2011.

No, this isn't an April Fool's gag. Rauch, who's been sharing the executive-producer duties with Maria Arena Bell since 2008, is leaving to go home to New York.

Rauch, a Daytime Emmy winner, came to Y&R after helming a variety of soaps. His resume includes running 'Another World,' 'One Life to Live,' 'Santa Barbara' and 'Guiding Light.'

The exit is completely amicable. In a statement, Rauch said, "I have had great pleasure working with Y&R's magnificent cast and crew. I feel that I've accomplished everything that I set out to achieve, and it's now time for me to return to New York."

Bell will assume control, assisted by Steve Kent. Speaking of her tenure with Rauch, Bell said, "Y&R has benefitted tremendously from Paul Rauch's experience and knowledge. I've enjoyed our working relationship and wish him all the best."

Former Daytimer Lands on 'Dallas'
Jesse Metcalfe, who broke into the business as a young star on NBC's 'Passions,' has a new soap job -- on primetime. Metcalfe has been cast in 'Dallas,' the TNT reboot of the CBS soap.

Metcalfe will play Christopher, the adopted son of Bobby and Pam Ewing. You might also recognize him as the sexy lawn boy, John Rowland, who had a fling with Gabrielle on 'Desperate Housewives.'

Oscar's Soap Connection
You might think that James Franco is done with 'General Hospital' especially since he snagged an Oscar nomination for '127 Hours,' as well as being chosen to co-host the Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, on ABC.

However, as previously reported, Franco will be back on 'GH' on Friday, Feb. 25 and Monday, Feb. 28.

But here's some 'new' news: Franco wants to continue with the ABC soap on a recurring basis.

In a TV Guide article, GH headwriter revealed that when he contacted Franco to congratulate him for the Oscar nomination, James returned the message and said he's anxious to get back to Port Charles.

Franco reportedly has big plans for the Franco character, and has expressed interest in directing episodes of GH. Guza told TV Guide, "I think he's going to be on our show off and on forever, and God bless him for that."

Darth Vader Is a Soap Star
Did you love the Volkswagen / Darth Vader: The Force commercial that aired during the Super Bowl? You're not alone. We rated it the top ad of the broadcast, as did a lot of other web sites and publications. But did you know that that mini–Darth Vader has a soap connection?

The young actor playing Darth Vader is Max Page, best known as Reed on 'The Young and the Restless.' As Reed, Max has been recurring on Y&R since 2009.

Thanks to the VW Passat commercial, Max has been getting lots of attention, including a guest spot on the 'Today' show. Because of the Star Wars costume, nobody recognizes Max as Darth Vader, but Max told Meredith Viera he's often stopped by fans who've been watching him on Y&R.

'Hot' in Pine Valley
TV Land's Wendie Malick, who plays Victoria on 'Hot in Cleveland,' appears on 'All My Children' this Wednesday, Feb. 16 (and also Wednesday, Feb. 23).

As Victoria, the former soap diva she plays on 'Cleveland,' she's cast on AMC. That means we get to see Wendie turn up in Pine Valley in an unlikely role. Victoria's daytime comeback is as Erica Kane's maid, Gertie. Oh, the humanity!